The other night we had burgers for dinner. We made some patties with cheese and some plain. Then I put out pickles and a choice of sauces: ketchup, mustard, and BBQ. I also served french fries and broccoli. And as dinner unfolded I was given the reminder, keep offering not requiring.

Since my husband doesn’t put lettuce on burgers, and the kids have NEVER wanted it on any form of sandwich or burger, I didn’t put it out. I honestly didn’t even think to.

When we sat down the kids got their burgers and were building them with pickles and ketchup or bbq. As we started to eat, one of my boys said, “Hey, where’s the lettuce? I want lettuce on my burger.”

I was at a loss for words, ha! They eat salad occasionally, and same with lettuce wraps, but we’re talking lettuce two to three times a month here, maybe. So for him to request it on his own, I was shocked.

Once he asked my other little guy chimed in wanting some as well. It was an easy ask, so I rinsed a piece of romaine and they both put a leaf on their burgers.

They took a bite and ended up eating the whole thing, lettuce and all.

It was such a good lesson and reminder for me…

Even if they don’t normally eat it, keep putting it out!

My mantra now – Keep Offering Not Requiring

I know that can be hard, especially in the current climate with even greater than normal concerns about food waste. However, this would have been an easy fix. If no one took the lettuce, I could have put it back in the fridge and saved it for a salad or to put on a sandwich for myself the next day.

And that’s the case with most food. I often take any leftover snack veggies and put them back in the fridge to chop for a salad or add to cooked veggies for dinner. And when food is put out to take, but not placed on their individual plates (family style) it makes it sooo much easier to salvage and reuse.

I know it can be frustrating to continue putting out food over and over, but they often have to see it, be exposed to it, over and over before they ever take the first bite.

As much as possible, continue to keep offering, but not requiring. Be patient. You never know when they might get up the courage, or be intrigued enough, to take that first bite.

Your tips for providing food at meal and snacks:

  1. Continue to offer without pressure or force

  2. Serve family style (and deconstructed) whenever possible

  3. Get creative: cut food into different shapes or add sauces or dips to try

  4. Be patient

And when it comes time for the next meal or snack, repeat your mantra over and over… Keep offering, not requiring

For more tips on getting kids to eat veggies, check out How to get your kids to eat vegetables.

Thank you for joining me and letting me be a part of your journey in creating joyful eating for your family. I look forward to connecting with you soon!